Patty Griffin recalls her dad in song at House of Blues

Share via e-mail

Patty Griffin (pictured performing in New York earlier this month) played many of her new songs on Friday.

By Sarah Rodman
Globe Staff
June 10, 2013

A third of the way into her show Friday night at the House of Blues Patty Griffin started the song “Rain” and then it all fell apart. “What a train wreck,” she said with a laugh as she tried to figure out what exactly was going wrong.

The venerated singer-songwriter, and former Bostonian, explained that she hadn’t played the fan favorite in a while but after another false start, the third time was the charm.

Aside from that endearing fumble — which the rapt crowd cheered her through — there was nothing about Griffin’s superb 90-minute set that could be defined as a wreck. Except maybe the emotional wreckage she excavated in some of her most sharply observed tunes.

A terrific hostess throughout, balancing reflection and humor, Griffin gave the crowd — many of whom were seated in chairs on the normally standing-room-only floor — extra props for making it out not only in the pouring rain but on a night the Bruins were playing in the playoffs.

Get The Weekender in your inbox:

The Globe's top picks for what to see and do each weekend, in Boston and beyond.

Both backed by a gifted trio of multi-instrumentalists — John Deaderick, David Pulkingham, and Craig Ross — and in solo interludes on guitar and piano Griffin dug into her superb new album, “American Kid.”

Patty Griffin

the House of Blues,

Date of concert:

Friday, June 7

Griffin moved easily through her favored styles. Swinging from classic country to rueful pop to heart-rending gospel interludes, she conjured sepia-toned visions of men drinking in Scollay Square after the war and a lone, wild dog, restlessly roaming the highway, all in her inimitably piercing voice, at once girlish and earthy, and a seeming repository of essential truths.

Written during a period in which Griffin knew she would soon lose her father, the songs were both celebration and eulogy and she told family tales between songs, further illuminating his, and by extension, her own spirit. An early favorite was the rip-snorting “Please Don’t Let Me Die in Florida,” a plea made by her staunch New Englander dad after visiting the Sunshine State.

BostonGlobe.com complimentary digital access has been provided to you, without a subscription, for free starting today and ending in 14 days. After the free trial period, your free BostonGlobe.com digital access will stop immediately unless you sign up for BostonGlobe.com digital subscription. Current print and digital subscribers are not eligible for the free trial.

Thanks & Welcome to Globe.com

You now have unlimited access for the next two weeks.

BostonGlobe.com complimentary digital access has been provided to you, without a subscription, for free starting today and ending in 14 days. After the free trial period, your free BostonGlobe.com digital access will stop immediately unless you sign up for BostonGlobe.com digital subscription. Current print and digital subscribers are not eligible for the free trial.